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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

So this just happened..

85 replies

SleepyHead4 · 29/09/2021 13:59

My OH has been off with me for a few weeks. I kept asking if everything was OK only to be met with everything is fine, I'm fine. So I leave it at that.

He phones me this morning.. Ive had enough, I'm thinking about calling it a day. Me and you, its hard work. So I ask why. His response was, you're too clingy and needy. You don't leave me alone for 5 minutes always wanting kisses and cuddles.
I will say this, yes I like kisses and cuddles but its not constant in the way he says. This is how we've always been, just recently it seems to bug him.

We had a good weekend, I say this to him. He says he was putting on a show because his kids were here. He's not been happy for a long time. This is the same guy who asked me to marry him 2 months ago. And the same guy who always wants me with him for reasons only he knows. Is that not him being clingy and needy?

I suggest going to stay with a friend for a few days have a bit of breathing space but he doesn't want that. He doesn't want to end our relationship either so he says. He just wants me to chill with the cuddles.

All this over a phonecall then 5 minutes later by text.. I love you sooooo much and about 16 hearts.
Mixed messages or what?

I did want to leave after that phonecall, to walk away and never look back. We've spoken since and he doesn't want to lose me, his words, he loves me to bits.

Talk about playing with a girls feelings. My heads a fucking shed now. Basically from that conversation I got, chill out or I'll end it.

He doesn't tell me what's bothering him when it actually happens, he let's things build and build until he blows up. All I've ever done is love this man.

OP posts:
girlmom21 · 29/09/2021 15:05

He doesn't want breathing space but you do. Insist on it.

NewlySingle2021 · 29/09/2021 15:14

Please don't get stuck in the trap. Further to my previous reply, I'm only just getting out after 7 years of similar mind games. We have DC so I will never be fully free of him. I wish so much I'd listened to my gut before we got married and never gone down that path with him. I used to get upset when he'd say he wanted to break up and promise to change, because I thought that was what love is. Now I know better. You can only rationalise so much for so long. The latest time he said it I just went 'ok' because I had nothing left. Please listen to everyone here, these games are not what your life should be. A loving man would not approach issues in this way. After reading your updated stuff about him cheating it sounds like projection and excuses.

MrsTWH · 29/09/2021 15:24

Sorry OP but there are red flags all over this one…

  1. Wants to be with you constantly. Does he “let” you go out with friends or make you feel guilty/guilt trip you into staying in with him all the time? Doesn’t he have friends or hobbies?
  2. Insinuates you’re cheating.
  3. Playing mind games with you.

The hills are that way….

lolarosea12 · 29/09/2021 15:24

OP something like this happened to me recently so I totally understand. He came back from a weekend away and was acting weird, asked what was up and he said he didnt feel the same anymore, 5 minutes later turns around crying asking me to forgive him and doesnt want to lose me!

2 days later he changed his mind again and we ended it. In hindsight it was definitely for the best. You wouldnt ever forget what he said and its never worth not being yourself for another person.

I hope you are doing okay and remember to try and eat and get away from the house if you can

lurker69 · 29/09/2021 15:25

Something is not right here IF the text was meant for you that's very bizarre behaviour . Also as a pp said it is not up to him to say you cant have a break for a couple of days if that's what you want.

Pinkbonbon · 29/09/2021 15:35

All else asside I wouldn't stay with someone that accuses me of cheating. That shit is not normal.

YanTanTetheraPetheraPimp · 29/09/2021 15:38

@HollowTalk

No. He's a complete head fuck. He's gaslighting you, moody, trying to control your behaviour and deliberately giving you mixed messages. You'd be crazy to marry him.
He’s dangling you on a string until someone better comes along. Cruel and manipulative. Tell him to get lost.
litterbird · 29/09/2021 15:49

Listen very carefully OP I believe that text was meant for someone else. He has almost accused you of cheating when you haven't. I have been in this almost identical position. He is projecting on to you about cheating because he is the cheater. Dont think because you are together all the time he hasn't had his head turned. Something is not right, your gut is saying so, I would have a serious think about your next step...stay in this mind fuck of a relationship where at any point he will pull the rug from under you or step away permanently.

RantyAunty · 29/09/2021 15:56

Men always can find a way to cheat.

He's showing all the classic signs.

DoesHePlayTheFiddle · 29/09/2021 15:58

He's found someone else but she doesn't want him full time yet so he's backtracking.

Kuachui · 29/09/2021 15:59

It's an abuse tactic it's supposed to make you constantly double think things and try to grab onto the relationship etc I would tell him to shove it

Klinkerbell · 29/09/2021 16:01

Sorry Op, this is classic control. What YOU want is a 'problem', what HE wants is 'important'. The longer you stay the worse it will get. You are merely the supporting role in his life and what he wants for that life. Your life does not matter to him. I would walk away. Take care of youFlowers

PinzQueen · 29/09/2021 16:02

He is mindfucking you. Playing the push-and-pull game. Blowing hot and cold air.

It's gonna give you whiplash to a point where you start doubting your own thoughts and opinions. Soon, he'll have control over your choices and prefers.

This is dangerous for you.

AryaStarkWolf · 29/09/2021 16:05

What a mind fuck, I couldn't be dealing with that shit tbh

solarsky · 29/09/2021 16:06

Agree with him that it does need to end, don't let him muck you about like this.

Honeyroar · 29/09/2021 16:07

Tell him you don’t want him to come home, you want some space to try and get your head around what he said and to decide whether there’s a future. Let him bloody realise that playing games like this has consequences and he can’t just send a soppy text five minutes later like nothing has happened.

knittingaddict · 29/09/2021 16:08

He can't be with you 24/7 or he wouldn't need to text you. Not saying that he is having an affair though.

knittingaddict · 29/09/2021 16:13

@lurker69

Something is not right here IF the text was meant for you that's very bizarre behaviour . Also as a pp said it is not up to him to say you cant have a break for a couple of days if that's what you want.
It's pretty standard behaviour for abusive men. A constant cycle of Mr Nice and Mr Nasty. Keeps women on their toes and treading on eggshells. Messes with their heads so they don't know which way is up.

I would call it a day op. At the very least you could find someone who is happy to cuddle a loved one and not make you feel bad for who you are.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe · 29/09/2021 16:16

Do you live together? Whose house is it? If it's yours, ask him to leave for a few days forever. If it's his then just go asap, find somewhere else or definitely have it lined up ready.

This push me-pull you game gets tired really fast and you will never know a minute's peace until you end it - or he does. Get there first.

It's not a question of 'If', but when. Somebody who loves you and wants you to be with them doesn't do this. You know that he can pull the rug from under you at any time and you don't deserve this.

WaterBottle123 · 29/09/2021 16:18

Wow he's horrible. Please don't tolerate this transparent head fuckery

Mistlewoeandwhine · 29/09/2021 16:26

I still think that there’s a woman in the background.

BobbiPinsOn · 29/09/2021 16:27

he is a narc

IveGotASongThatllGetOnYNerves · 29/09/2021 16:30

Come on.
Of course he's going to say the text was for you.

You're too needy I'm thinking of dumping you your constant affection is irritating

Then a text with I love you and a load of hearts?

He accuses you of cheating but he is the one with a history of cheating.

He claims you're clingy but he likes to keep tabs on you.

It really couldn't be more obvious if it was on a ten foot high billboard with flashing neon arrows pointing at it from all directions.

KintsugiForever · 29/09/2021 16:42

I just ended it with someone who was just like this - and he is still trying to mess with my head despite having split up 3 weeks ago....I'm currently NC with him.

It's not worth it, it chips away at you and will be anxious all the time.

beastlyslumber · 29/09/2021 16:46

The text was definitely for OP.

It's classic abusive gaslighting behaviour. Make it so you feel like you're losing it. How are you supposed to know what to do/say/act? One minute he loves you more than anything, the next he can't cope with your 'clinginess'. He does it on purpose to fuck you up. He pushes you away, and then just when he judges he might have pushed a little too hard, he pulls you back with an 'I love you'.

He's emotionally abusive and a narcissist. These people do not change, they get worse.

Do not marry him. Do not have kids with him. The only sane thing to do is get away from him.

www.quora.com/Why-does-a-narcissist-give-mixed-signals-One-minute-they-say-they-want-you-the-next-minute-theyre-distant-and-leave-you-confused-Why-are-they-perpetually-in-a-conflicted-state?share=1

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